CounterPunch Exclusives

CounterPunch Exclusives

Why Do Only Former Government Officials Protest?

Photograph by Nathaniel St. Clair

At the beginning of February 2026, 404 former European Union ministers and ambassadors signed a statement condemning Israel for its actions in Gaza. In, part the statement urged the following:

1.”The EU and member states must [aspire] to bring peace  in accordance with long-standing UN principles, resolutions, and international law.” 2. “The EU and member states must reach out proactively to like-minded partners in the Middle East and global south. Only such a robust approach can reestablish the union’s reputation as a force for peace and good in our time.” 3. ”The immediate focus of the EU and the international community should be on reversing the current harsh realities on the ground in Gaza, as well as East Jerusalem and the West Bank.”

1.”The EU and member states must [aspire] to bring peace  in accordance with long-standing UN principles, resolutions, and international law.”

2. “The EU and member states must reach out proactively to like-minded partners in the Middle East and global south. Only such a robust approach can reestablish the union’s reputation as a force for peace and good in our time.”

3. ”The immediate focus of the EU and the international community should be on reversing the current harsh realities on the ground in Gaza, as well as East Jerusalem and the West Bank.”

To accomplish these goals:

1. “The EU and member states’ [efforts must be] robust and prompt diplomatic action. Including launching an immediate time limited dialogue with Israel on the application of relevant provisions of the EU–Israel association agreement.” In other words, threaten Israel’s most favored nation status. 2. “The EU and its member states should desist from membership in the board of peace which … includes an ICC indicted war criminal and whose charter threatens to undermine the UN.”

1. “The EU and member states’ [efforts must be] robust and prompt diplomatic action. Including launching an immediate time limited dialogue with Israel on the application of relevant provisions of the EU–Israel association agreement.” In other words, threaten Israel’s most favored nation status.

2. “The EU and its member states should desist from membership in the board of peace which … includes an ICC indicted war criminal and whose charter threatens to undermine the UN.”

The statement concludes:

Condemnatory statements have not been backed up by concrete measures. The EU should act firmly against all of those pursuing annexationist agendas and threatening Palestinians inalienable rights of self-determination and undermining the two state solution. Furthermore there must be accountability and no impunity for those from both sides who have committed acts in violation of international law.

Condemnatory........

© CounterPunch